The Gombe State Government has started the distribution of writing materials, bags and uniforms to pupils in public primary schools and girl-child learning centres.
Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya said during the distribution exercise in Jalingo, Funakaye LGA that the move demonstrated his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of education.
The governor expressed the hope that the gesture will help increase enrollment and enhance the quality of teaching and learning in public schools.
Yahaya added that his administration had inherited an education system with inadequate and decayed infrastructure, coupled by “a large number of out-of-school children and a teaching work force that is poorly trained and motivated.”
He said since the inception of his administration 10 months ago, the sum of N2.947 billion has been spent on the construction and renovation of over 400 schools across the state.
He added that the feat was achieved through the ‘untiring’ efforts of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Executive Chairman, SUBEB, Babaji Babadidi applauded Governor Yahaya for declaring state of emergency in the education sector.
He said the board through the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme, has succeeded in drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children.